aeronautics



244. AERONAUTICS R. G. ECO'B'.

AEROPLANE.

' APPLICATION FILED sEPLzs. 191s,

famed 4May 10,1921."

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244. AERONAUI ICS R. G. ECOB.

AEROPLANE.

APPLlcATloN FILED-SEPT. 25,1918.

Patented May 10,1921.

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AEROPLANE APPLICATIN FILED SFPT.25, |918.

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244. ALHUNAU l Ib PATENT OFFICE.

UNITED STATES noiana'r GILBERT Econ, or NEW YORK, N. Y.

AEROELANE.

Application led September 25, 1918.

To all 'whom it may concern Be it known that I, ROBERT GILBERT Econ, a citizen of the United States, and resident of the city of New York, Flushing, borough of Queens, in the county of Queens and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Aeroplanes, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to aeroplanes and has for its object to provide an improved structure possessing greatly increased structural advantages over the types heretofore used and particularly t0 permit of successfully constructing planes of greatly increased capacity without impairing the desired ilexibility of control.

As is readily appreciated, the size and carrying capacity of the present standard form of aeroplanes are closely limited owing to the great lateral spread of the :supporting planes which, in the larger machines, have approximately reached the limits of substantial and safe construction.

In accordance with the present invention, the arrangement of the supporting planes is designed especially to the end of attaining a more uniform distribution of sustaining surfaces with respect to the frame or fuselage. To this end, I have arranged the supporting and lifting planes in series longitudinally of the frame and in consequence, I am enabled to employ a greater number of supporting planes so as to provide the required supporting area and correspondingly to reduce the transverse length or wing spread of the individual plane units. Thereby, I avoid or materially diminish the inherent weaknesses encountered in planes of ylarge and excessive wing spread wherein the stresses, as is well understood, are very great and often destructive. Moreover, a further and important feature of my iinproved construction resides in the arrangement 0f the forward and rearward supporting planes whereby these planes or ailerons thereon are tiltable in unison and in reverse relation so as to direct the aeroplane either upwardly or downwardly, thereby combining the more uniform distribution of the supporting planes, means for successfully guiding the machine within a wide range of action and so as to be very responsible to the control of the operator whereby the danger is reduced.

An additional important feature of my improved construction consists in retaining Specification of Letters Patent. Parnted play 10, 1921 Serial No. 255,698.

a substantial area of the supporting surface at the transverse neutral aXis at which point the greatest weight is sustained and in so constructing the planes so as to provide an inherent stability to a large degree.

The described and other features and advantages of my invention will be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein I have shown several desired embodiments thereof and wherein the reference characters of this description are applied to the corresponding parts in the several views.

In the drawings wherein the structures are diagrammatically shown, Figure l is a plan view of an aeroplane embodying the desirable features of my invention and Fig. 2 is a side elevation thereof.

Fig. 3 is a similar side elevation illustrat ing a desirable modified form and Fig. 4 is a view in front elevation of the machine of F ig. 3.

Figs. 5 to 9 illustrate further desirable modifications wherein the plane elements are shiftable upon individual axes. Of these Fig. 5 is a side elevation of a plane embodying my invention, a portion thereof being broken away bettel1 to show certain detail features. of and Fig. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view on line 7-7 of Fig. 5. Fig. 8 is a view in side elevation of a modified form employing a bi-plane forwardly arranged and a single plane of larger size rearward and Fig. 9 is a similar view of a further modification wherein five sets of planes are employed in longitudinal series arrangement.

Referring to Figs. l and 2 of the drawing wherein there is shown the preferred embodiment of my invention, at 7 there is indicated the usual frame or fuselage to be supported in flight by the planes and as here shown, provided with a suitable mounting frame 8 and wheels 6 for ground support and in the event that it is desired to use the plane on water, as is customary, the supporting wheels 6 may be omitted and a suitable floating body provided in their stead.

An important feature of the present invention consists in the arrangement of the supporting and lifting planes which, as shown, are arranged in series longitudinally of the frame. Preferably, planes are arranged as shown, consisting of a central or intermediate plane which may be in the Fig. G is a plan view there-I 244. AERONAUTIGS to or connected with the forward aileron 14. As will be seen from this arrangement, upon oscillating the controlling levers 34-34 forwardly or rearwardly, the motion thereof will be transmitted in like manner to both of the ailerons 14 but in reverse direction, whereby they will synchronously change their angle to coperate in elevating or depressing the machine.

The operating connections for the intermediate movable planes 16 and 17 are similarly arranged to be actuated from either the forward or rearward operating positions and the means provided consists of the forward and rearward foot levers 50-50 suitably journaled to be movable in a horizontal 'plane and each of said levers having affixed thereto a gear 51 connected by the usual cable 52 to move in unison. As indicated, the fiexible connection 52 comprises chain sections meshing with the gears and having their ends connected by suitable cables 54. As indicated, the cables 54-54 at their intermediate portions are provided with chain sections 55 and 56 adapted to engage with the respective gears 57--58 on a centrally journaled cross-shaft 59 and the movement imparted to said gears 57 and 58, it will be noted, is opposite in direction. Connected to each of said gears 57 and 58 are secondary gears or pinions 61-62 in turn connected by suitable flexible connections 64-64 to segmental gears on the respective ailerons 16--17 whereby the latter are moved in unison and in opposite relation.

At 60 is indicated the usual steering rudder for guiding the direction of flight. This rudder as shown is vertically hinged or pivoted and is controlled in any approved manner by the operator for instance by suitable connections from hand wheels 61 mounted on the controlling levers 34 in the customary manner.

While I have shown and described a preferable embodiment of my invention in connection with Figs. 1 and 2, it will be understood that my invention is subject to various modifications without departing from the scope thereof. Desirable forms of possible modifications are illustrated in the remaining figures of the drawing.

On Fig. 3 l have shown a desirable modified form wherein the forward and rearward supporting planes each comprise upper and lower plane elements rigidly connected by the vertical struts 65 which are suitably journaled at 66 and provided with connecting levers 67 to which the described flexible controlling connections or cables 36 are directly connected.. This arrangement thus provides for elevating and depressing the plane by tilting or changing the angle of the forward and rearward planes as a whole and in reverse relation corresponding to the tilting of the ailerons 14-14. The intermediate plane 11 is constructed similar to the disclosure of Figs. 1 and 2 with the aile-- rons 16 and 17 connected to be reversely moved.

On Figs. 5, 6 and 7, I have shown a further desirable form embodying my invention wherein an increased number of superimposed plane elements are employed and wherein each of the elements or wings is tiltable u on an individual axis 68 but connected w ereby their movements are synchronal and operable in generally similar manner to the embodiments desirable.

On this construction the front and rear planes 9 and 10 on the same level are mounted on shafts 68, said shafts having bearings in the frame. The intermediate planes 11 are mounted on independent shafts 68 also having bearings in the frame. Preferably the planes extend to each side of the corresponding shaft to reduce strain on the shaft, but this is not necessary.

The shafts 68 of the front planes are made to revolve in unison by means of arms 74 from each of the shafts connected to a rod 75. The shafts 68 of the rear supporting planes are also made'to move in unison by means of arms 74 extending from each of the shafts and interconnected by a rod 75. The shafts 68 on the same side of the frame are mounted to move in unison by arms 74 extending from each of the shafts and interconnected by a rod 7 5.

The movement of the front and rear shafts 68 is synchronized by means of a rod 76 joined to arms 77 and 78 extending from a front and rear shaft 68 respectively. The arms 77 and 78 being oppositely directed will cause the front shafts 68 to revolve in a direction opposite from the rear shafts 68 when a rotary movement is imparted to any of the shafts 68, that is to say, if the attacking edge of the front supporting planes is tipped or turned downwardly, the attacking edge of the rear supporting planes will turn or tip upwardly in the manner heretofore described. The rotary motion of the front and rear supporting planes is controlled by a steering arrangement, of which one form is shown. It is preferably of the positive type, consisting of a gear with which an arm 79 is constrained to revolve and which iS connected to the arm 77 by a rod 80. Motion from a sector 81 to the gear wheel is imparted by oscillating and steering columns 83.

The intermediate planes 11 on one side of the machine are revolved in a direction opposite to those on the other side by means of a foot control lever 50 swinging horizontally, each side having the usual foot rest. One end of the lever 50 is connected by a suitable rod 86 to an arm 87 provided on one of the shafts 68 lying on the same side of the frame to which the end of the lever 50 is proximate. The other end of the lever 50 is connected similarly by a r-od 86 to an arm 87 of a shaft 68 which is on the other side of the frame. In operating said beam, the intermediate supporting planes 11 on the opposite sides of the body are turned in opposite directions. The frame 7 is, in addition, provided with vertical rudders 88 disposed in the rear part of the machine and controlled from a steering wheel provided o-n the column 83 in the usual manner.

A propeller 28 is provided in the rear of the machine and motion thereto is imparted from a motor 29 by suitable motion-transmission means 30. rIhe motor and the controlling parts of the machine, which constitute the maximum weight, as in the described forms, are so arranged that the center of gravity of the machine is below the center of lifting.

As shown in the modified form in Fig. 8, there are two front lifting elements forming the forward pla-ne, while there is only one for the intermediate and rear lifting plane. The arrangement may be such as to have two rear and two front lifting planes to a set and only one in the set in the intermediate lifting planes. Or there may be only one plane in each set of lifting planes. This arrangement will depend considerably on the shape of the body and the degree of the control of the machine desired. i shown in Fig. 8, the attacking edges of the front lifting planes are raised. while the tacking edge of the rear lifting plane i lowered. It will also be noted that the right intermediate plane has its attacking edge raised, while the left intermediate plane which is shown in dotted line, has its attach ing edge lowered or depressed. This will show the relative movement of the front and rear lifting planes and also of the intermediate lifting planes.

In the modified form shown in 9, there are fixed supporting planes 94e provided commonly on aeroplanes, which interposed between the front and in diate movable supporting planes 9 and also between the rear movable su* g ing planes 10 and the intermediate supporting planes 11. The displacement ef the movable supporting planes 9. 10 and spectively. is shown in dotted lines said Fig. 9. The arrangement shown in Fiir. 9 discloses a combination of fixed and movable planes which may be suitable for aeroplanes of large capa'cities.

While I have described various forms of my invention, it will be understood that the operation thereof is that the aeroplane is guided in its flight upward or downward by the front and rear 'supporting planes or sets of plane elements, as for example, in rising the attacking edges of the front supporting planes on both sides are raised; in consequence, the attacking edges of the rear supporting planes on both sides are to a corresponding degree lowered and coperaate in this action` To descend the machine, the attacking edges of the front supporting planes on both sides are lowered while the attacking edges of the rear supporting planes are on both sides raised to a ycorresponding degree. By this arrangement a wide latitude of control is attained.

The movement of the intermediate planes whereby their attacking angles are changed are for the purpose of tipping the machine and making a sharp turn, landing or in banking it. By moving the planes in the manner described for displacing the planes to change the angle, the center of lift will move forwardly or rearwardly as for example, if the attaching edges of the front supporting planes are raised, they will present a greater surface to the air than the rear planes and in consequence will lift more. To move the center of lift rearwardly, the front and rear lift planes are turned in the opposite direction; therefore any difference in weight of pilot, passenger or load lcan be compensated for by the displacement of the front and rear supporting planes.

In the preferred form of my invention as disclosed in Figs. 1 and 2, a substantial portion of each of the planes is of rigid construction and secured to the frame and the changing of the angles cf the planes is effected by the movable portions or ailerons. Taereby there is afforded a desirable degree of xed stability which is further added to by the longitudinally spacer relation of the planes. By prcviding the central or intermediate plane substantial part cf the weight .is susta.' ed thereby and readily tiltable on the transw erse axis thus defined.

Further advantages incident to my improved structure and arrangement consist of the comi actness of the machine, the increase in the fact r of safety owing to the inherent stabilityv and stronger constructien accompanied by a reduced tendency of thel machine tripping or turning over in landing.

rIhis application embodies the substance of and is continuation of my prior application Serial No. 196,021 filed A@ctoberAlL 1917. l

I claim:

1. In a flying machine. a frame, main supporting planes extending transversely of the frame and arranged in series longitudinally 0f the frame and comprising an intermediate supporting plane and forwardly and rearwardly arranged supporting` planes arranged to permit of changing the relative elevation of the forward and rearward edges thereof to adjust the angle of incidence, said forward and rearward 244. AERONAUI IUS supporting planes having a combined supporting surface of greater area than that of the intermediate plane, means operative synchronously to adjust the angle of incidence of the forward and rearward planes in reverse relation and said intermediate plane being adapted for adjustment of its angle of incidence in reverse relation on the opposite sides of the central longitudinal axis of the machine to control the lateral tilting thereof, substantially as described.

2. In ya machine I of the `character de.- scribed, a frame, main supporting planes rigidly connected with the frame and extending transversely of the frame t0 each side thereof and arranged in series longitudinally of the frame, said planes comprising forwardly and vrearwardly arranged supporting` planes and an intermediate supporting plane, each of said planes being provided with a movable portion or aileron, means synchronously to et'ect the angular adjustment of the ailerons of the forward and rearward planes in reverse relation, means operative synchronously to adjust the ailerons of the intermediate plane reversely in opposite sides of the frame, said forward and rearward planes having a combined area greater than that of the intermediate plane, a vertical rudder operative to guide the direction of the plane, propelling means and means to actuate the propelling means.

3. In a machine of the character described, a frame, main supporting planes rigidly connected with the frame and extending transversely of the frame to each side thereof and arranged in series longitudinally of the frame, said planes compris-v ing forwardly and rearwardly arranged supporting planes and an intermediate supporting plane, each of said planes being provided with a movable portion of aileron, means synchronously to effect the angular adjustment of the ailerons of the forward and rearward planes in reverse relation, means operative synchronously to adjust the ailerons of the intermediate plane reversely on opposite sides of the frame, said forward and rearward planes having a combined area greater than that ofthe intermediate plane, a vertical rudder operative to guide the direction of the plane, propellers positioned on opposite sides of the frame, a driving motor carried by the frame adjacent the intermediate plane and connections from the motor to the propellers, substantially as described.

4i. In a machine of the character det scribed, a frame, main supporting planes extending transversely of the frame and arranged in series longitudinally of the frame and comprising an intermediate supporting plane and forwardly and rearwardly arranged supporting planes arranged to be capable of angular adjustment, said forward and rearward supporting planes having a combined supporting surface of greater area than that of the intermediate plane, means operativesynchronously to adjrust the angle of incidence of the forward and rearward planes in reverse relation and each of said planes being formed with superimvposed main supporting plane elements rigidly connected with the frame.

5. In a machine of the character described, an elongated frame, main supporting planes extending transversely of the frame and arranged in series longitudinally of the frame and comprising an intermediate supporting plane having supporting surfaces extending to each side of the frame and forwardly and rearwardly arrangedl planes having supporting plane surfaces eX- tending to each side of the machine, all of said planes being substantially equal in the area of these supporting surfaces and composed of superimposed plane members, ail-- erons or movable plane elements .associated with the uppermost of each of the upper plane members, means operative synchronously to effect the angular adjustment of the ailerons of the forward and rearward planes in reverse relation, means operative synchronously to adjust the ailerons of the intermediate plane reversely on opposite sides of the frame, a vertical rudder, means to adjust the position thereof, propelling means and means to actuate the propelling means.

Signed at New York in the county of New York and State of New York this 17th day of September, A. D. 1918.

ROBERT GILBERT ECOB.

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AERO LANE. ARELICA'TAON-FILED DEC. 9. 1920.

1,382,314! A Patented June 21,1921.

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